Following Jesus

There is a beautiful and powerful two-word phrase spoken by Jesus. It is simultaneously an invitation and a call to action. The words “follow me” have a rich history in the New Testament. This is how the Lord invited fishermen to become fishers of men (Matt 4:19), called a tax collector to join Him (9:9), and challenged a rich young man to love God more than his possessions (19:21). Do we appreciate the significance of this phrase as we should? Study the words of Luke 9:23, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” The Bible outlines requirements for following Jesus.

Followers of Jesus must be willing to deny self. The example our Lord set is one of selflessness. He trained His disciples to serve (John 13:13-15). Nothing in the Christian life is about self-promotion or selfish ambition (Php 2:3). Obedience is possible only when we mirror the Lord’s spirit of humility in our own decision-making (Php 2:8). Denying self also means we are not ruled by our own passions and desires. Remember what Paul said as he followed Jesus, it was no longer Paul who lived, Christ lived in him (Gal 2:20).

Followers of Jesus must take up the cross daily. This act of taking up the cross is very specific. Those condemned to die would be made to carry their cross, the instrument of their death (John 19:16-18). This imagery does not symbolize the ordinary struggles or suffering that comes out of everyday experience. Rather, it describes suffering for righteousness’ sake (Matt 5:10; Php 1:29; 2 Tim 3:12; 1 Pet 3:14). Are we willing to be true to the command of our Lord and dead to sin (Rom 6:6, 11)? And seeing the word “daily,” will we display this strength of devotion continually?

Followers of Jesus must desire to follow Him. As simple as it sounds, we must want to be disciples! A disciple is a follower of a teacher. One who learns from his master and wants to be like his master. We wish to learn from Christ and emulate His attitude and actions ourselves (Php 2:5; 1 Pet 2:21). Please realize that desire is a powerful thing (Gal 5:16; Jam 1:14-16). Sometimes an individual knows everything that is required of them. They understand the will of God and what the Bible teaches, but they still refuse to be obedient. Why? Sometimes we desire sin more than we desire to be a follower of Jesus. 

Will you follow Jesus? His loving invitation is extended to you and me today. Our God desires all to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth (1 Tim 2:3-4). Let us endeavor every day to deny self, take up the cross, and follow Him.